111 Ways To Justify Your Commission: Value-addi... | AUTHENTIC |
: Providing a detailed project timeline to relieve client anxiety and using video testimonials to provide social proof of past successes.
: To combat "commission depression," Lee recommends using pie charts to show how a hypothetical 6% commission is split between brokers, expenses, and taxes, often leaving the individual agent with only roughly 1% in net income .
The "111 ways" mentioned in the title refer to specific, actionable steps agents take that go beyond simply listing a home on the MLS: 111 Ways to Justify Your Commission: Value-Addi...
The book by Michael Soon Lee is a comprehensive guide for real estate professionals facing pressure from discount services and online competition. Originally published in 2007 by Kaplan Publishing , it provides a structured framework for agents to demonstrate their worth to "savvy consumers" who may view all agents as providing the same basic services. Core Strategies for Justifying Value
: Investigating unrecorded property lines, checking zoning and land use, verifying HOA fees and bylaws, and researching local utility usage. : Providing a detailed project timeline to relieve
The book emphasizes that most clients are unaware of the volume of work performed behind the scenes. Lee suggests moving from a defensive posture to a proactive, value-based presentation.
: One of the book's most famous tactics is creating an exhaustive list of every task required to complete a transaction. Lee's personal list for sellers includes 132 items spanning eight pages, which visually overwhelms objections about "easy" commissions. Originally published in 2007 by Kaplan Publishing ,
: Agents are encouraged to develop niche specializations—such as specific neighborhoods or transaction types like 1031 exchanges —and leverage professional designations (e.g., CRS , GRI ) to set themselves apart. Practical Value-Add Examples
